RANGATIRA BADLY HOLED.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13172, 3 February 1936, Page 4

RANGATIRA BADLY HOLED.

STRIKES SUBMERGED OBJECT. SUCCESSFULLY BERTHED AT WHARF. E xtra or d i n.a ry.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. The ferry steamer Rangatira struck near Baring Head about 6 o’clock this morning. She got off under her own power and proceeded stern first into the harbour. Later she was assisted and berthed at Clyde Quay wharf at 10 o’clock. The steamer was well down at the head. A terrific southerly gale was raging. The behaviour ot the passengers, officers and crew was admirable. Lifebelts were worn by* the passengers immediately after the mishap and the boats prepared for launching, but no o-n e was injured. The mishap occurred at 6.11 a.m. when the ship was nosing its way 7 through a thick rainstorm and heavy seas. Alter striking the object the vessel remained fast until a heavy sea lifted it off. Water was reported in No. 2 hold and the Rangatira was going down at tho bows. The crew acted, magnificently and took every possible caution to avoid a panic.

The passengers commenced to crowd the corridors in their night attire and wrapped in lugs and blankets. They were ordered to don lifebelts and assemble on the boat deck which they did, but once there it was impossible to find a corner that was not drenched with rain or spray.

The lifeboats were made ready for use so that the ship could be cleared in a few minutes if necessary. The weather became worse after the boat struck and developed into a blinding hurricane. Meanwhile, with masterly seamanship, the Rangatira was turned into the harbour stern first and in that fashion, completed the journey and was berthed. The remarkable feature of the whole business is that the ship was only three hours behind he r schedule when the passengers eventually landed.

A tug attempted to get a line on board but was unsuccessful, but it helped to nose the vessel into the wharf.